Berkshire Orthopedics LLC

A Division of Keystone Orthopaedic Specialists, LLC

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Possible Causes of Shoulder Pain and Popping

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The shoulder is a complex ball-and-socket joint made up of several interconnected parts. When one or more of the structures becomes inflamed, injured or displaced, it can lead to discomfort and dysfunction. In this article, we’ll outline some possible causes of shoulder pain and popping, which are two commonly reported symptoms associated with shoulder injuries and conditions.

Possible Causes of Shoulder Pain and Popping

Inside the shoulder are ligaments, tendons, cartilage, bone and fluid-filled sacs called synovial bursae, which facilitate normal shoulder function and smooth motion between the other components. The tissues in the shoulder can become irritated for a number of reasons, ranging from overuse to sports injuries to trauma from an accident or fall. 

If you’re experiencing discomfort and/or a popping/cracking sensation in your shoulder, you may be wondering about potential causes of shoulder pain and popping. A few common culprits of these shoulder symptoms include:

For any of these issues, an experienced orthopedic surgeon can pinpoint what is causing your shoulder problem and recommend the right course of treatment. After a shoulder injury, it’s wise to see an orthopedic expert as soon as possible to prevent symptoms from worsening and the problem from becoming more difficult to treat.

Reading, PA Area Patients Depend On Dr. Soffer for Top-Notch Shoulder Care 

Offering all the latest and most advanced operative and nonoperative treatments for orthopedic injuries and conditions, Dr. Stephen Soffer strives to help Reading, PA area patients resolve their symptoms with the least invasive treatment methods possible. His extensive training included a sports medicine fellowship with world-famous orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, with whom he has co-authored textbook chapters on treatments for knee, shoulder and elbow issues. 

Shoulder pain can seriously disrupt your everyday life, from your job to your favorite pastimes. Fortunately, Dr. Soffer is here to offer you world-class shoulder care to help you get back to normal. Call our office at 610-375-4949 to schedule an appointment to obtain an accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan.

Can You Still Walk with a Torn Meniscus?

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A meniscus tear is a common knee injury that may cause pain, swelling and sometimes even a “locking” sensation in the affected knee. Whether a meniscus injury happens due to an isolated incident or degeneration of the knee cartilage over time, it can interfere with a person’s ability to go about their daily life and be active. A common question about this injury is: “Can you still walk with a torn meniscus?” The answer will depend on the severity of the injury and other individual factors, but there is a chance that a meniscus tear may cause pain when walking. In this article, we’ll elaborate on the potential impacts of a torn meniscus and detail possible treatment options. 

Can You Still Walk with a Torn Meniscus?

Meniscus tear symptoms can differ on a case-by-case basis. More minor tears may come with only mild discomfort and swelling, whereas more severe meniscal injuries may compromise a person’s ability to comfortably perform their daily routine, occupation and/or hobbies. Generally, patients report worse pain from squatting or twisting motions, which put pressure on the knee. 

Over time, a meniscus tear may become more severe and cause further damage if left untreated. Further, certain activities may cause symptoms to flare up. Some patients might find it difficult and painful to climb stairs, or even to get out of bed. 

Ultimately, the specific symptoms and the answer to “can you still walk with a torn meniscus?” will depend on the individual patient’s circumstances. This includes:

  • The size & severity (grade) of the tear
  • The nature/pattern of the tear (radial, horizontal, etc.)
  • The location of the tear (medial or lateral)
  • The patient’s age
  • The patient’s activity level
  • The patient’s overall health status 

Along with influencing the extent of the injury’s impacts, this list will also factor in when it comes to determining the most appropriate treatment options. Conservative therapies like rest, medication and avoidance of symptom-triggering activities may be sufficient to allow a smaller, less severe meniscus tear to become asymptomatic. Surgical meniscus repair is more likely to be needed for a larger, higher grade meniscus injury – or if the inner portion of the meniscus, which receives poor blood supply, is involved. 

Younger patients and active individuals generally consider surgical meniscus repair more often than older, less active patients for whom the issue does not significantly affect their quality of life. Surgery can speed the recovery process and maximize the chance of being able to fully resume recreational activities.

Trust Dr. Soffer for State-of-the-Art Knee Care 

If you’re dealing with bothersome knee symptoms, seeing an orthopedic expert promptly is key to ensure you get the professional, individualized treatment needed to resolve the issue. The Reading, PA area’s trusted knee specialist is Dr. Stephen Soffer.

Dr. Soffer has undergone extensive training in orthopedics, including a sports medicine fellowship with leading sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Patients of all ages count on him for skillful, compassionate treatment of knee issues, whether or not their condition necessitates surgery. To learn more and arrange an appointment with Dr. Soffer, call our office at 610-375-4949.

What Are the Signs of a Torn Rotator Cuff?

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Lingering shoulder pain can get in the way of an active, fulfilling lifestyle. Severe shoulder symptoms can even interfere with one’s ability to perform their occupational duties and favorite pastimes. Rotator cuff tears are among the most common causes of ongoing shoulder pain and dysfunction. Read on to learn about the signs of a torn rotator cuff and treatment options offered for this shoulder problem.

What Are the Signs of a Torn Rotator Cuff? 

A rotator cuff issue can develop as a result of acute shoulder trauma or degeneration of shoulder tendons as one ages. Depending on the cause and nature of the tear, the severity of symptoms may vary from mild to debilitating. To avoid worsening symptoms, it’s important to recognize the signs of a torn rotator cuff and seek prompt treatment from an orthopedic expert. 

Common symptoms which may indicate a rotator cuff injury include:

  • A dull ache in the affected shoulder 
  • Pain and weakness extending from the shoulder down the arm
  • Reduced range of motion in the shoulder joint 
  • Difficulty lifting and reaching, especially overhead and behind your back
  • Trouble sleeping, performing daily tasks or doing hobbies

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, seeking professional diagnosis and treatment early on is key. Many rotator cuff injuries can be effectively treated with nonsurgical methods such as rest, medication and physical therapy. In case conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, however, it is wise to seek care from a shoulder surgery specialist like Dr. Soffer in Reading, PA. This way, you will already be in the right place should you need to explore surgical treatment for your rotator cuff injury.

Receive World-Class Shoulder Care from Dr. Soffer 

After undergoing rigorous training including a sports medicine fellowship with world-renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews, Dr. Soffer has come to be an expert in orthopedics. He was the first surgeon to perform minimally invasive arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery in Berks County, and he now instructs courses on this procedure for other surgeons. 

Additionally, Dr. Soffer offers the full range of nonsurgical treatment options for rotator cuff tears and other shoulder issues. To learn more and schedule an appointment, call our Wyomissing, PA office at 610-375-4949.

Do Shoulder Labral Tears Need Surgery Every Time?

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The labrum is a fibrous ring of tissue that surrounds the socket portion of the shoulder joint. When this crucial structure is torn – which can result from repetitive stress, overhead use of the shoulder or fraying over time – it will likely cause shoulder pain, weakness and instability. If you suspect that you may be facing a torn labrum, you might wonder: “Do shoulder labral tears need surgery in all cases, or is it possible to recover with nonsurgical treatments?” To answer this question in full, let’s take a closer look at how labrum tears are generally treated.

Do Shoulder Labral Tears Need Surgery Every Time?

As for any orthopedic injury or condition, the appropriate course of treatment for a labral tear will largely depend on patient-specific factors. First and foremost, the location and severity of the sustained labrum damage will play a key role in determining the right treatment plan. 

An orthopedic specialist may advise trying conservative treatments like resting, doing physical therapy exercises and taking medication to manage symptoms and encourage the labrum to heal on its own. So, the answer to “do shoulder labral tears need surgery?” is not always “yes.”

Surgical Treatment Options for Labral Tears 

If shoulder symptoms do not improve in a reasonable timeframe with nonsurgical treatment, however, surgery may be suggested as the next option to consider. Among orthopedic specialists – including Dr. Stephen Soffer – arthroscopic labral surgery is the preferred method of treating a labral tear of any severity that has not responded to conservative treatment. 

As compared to the traditional “open” method of performing shoulder surgery, benefits of arthroscopic surgery typically include:

  • Less invasive 
  • Less trauma and scarring 
  • Shorter recovery period

During arthroscopic labral surgery, the orthopedic surgeon creates a small incision through which to insert a tiny camera (called an arthroscope) into the affected shoulder. This device provides a detailed view of the injury so that the surgeon can precisely remove the labrum’s frayed edges and repair/reattach any torn tissue, if needed. In turn, this procedure can help stabilize the shoulder joint to promote healing and improved shoulder functionality for many patients with labral tears.

Explore Treatment Options to Relieve Your Shoulder Symptoms with Dr. Soffer 

If you’re seeking an outstanding orthopedic specialist in the Berks County, PA area, Dr. Soffer is a highly qualified choice for your care. As part of his comprehensive training, Dr. Soffer completed a sports medicine fellowship with Dr. James Andrews, a world-renowned sports surgeon. Now, he is proud to be among America’s Top Doctors and to specialize in the treatment of shoulder issues via both nonsurgical and surgical methods. To learn more about Dr. Soffer and schedule an appointment to have your shoulder issue expertly diagnosed and treated, call our office at 610-375-4949.

Does ACL Repair Itself? Treatment Options

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does acl repair itself

Injuries to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) are very common, particularly among athletes and active individuals. When this vital knee-supporting ligament is torn or stretched, it may result in knee pain, swelling and instability. If an individual is experiencing these symptoms, they may wonder: “Does ACL repair itself?” In short, the answer is no – an ACL injury is not likely to heal on its own, as this ligament receives limited blood supply. In turn, it’s important to seek professional treatment as soon as possible to prevent lingering knee instability and other potentially debilitating symptoms. This article will explore treatment options which may be recommended for an ACL tear or sprain.

Does ACL Repair Itself? Treatment Options

Since the answer to “does ACL repair itself?” is “typically not,” what treatments are available? As with any ligament injury, the appropriate course of treatment will largely depend on the severity of the tear or sprain. 

ACL injuries are categorized by grade, ranging from grade 1 (mild) to grade 3 (severe). In the case of a grade 1 injury, the ACL has been stretched but can still provide some level of stability to the knee joint. A grade 2 injury is characterized by a partial tear of the ACL, whereas grade 3 is used to describe a fully torn ACL that no longer provides adequate stability to the knee joint.

While pain and swelling may subside over time with more minor ACL injuries, instability may still persist. Thus, it is wise to visit an orthopedic expert for treatment when one suspects any sort of ACL injury. In many cases, ACL damage can be successfully treated through a combination of conservative, nonsurgical methods, such as:

  • Performing physical therapy exercises designed to restore range of motion, strength & stability to the affected knee 
  • Taking time off from activities to prevent worsening damage 
  • Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as needed to manage pain & swelling
  • Wearing an ACL brace to support and stabilize the joint during recovery 

In the event that these first-line methods fail to fully resolve a patient’s symptoms and stabilize their knee, surgical ACL reconstruction may be suggested as the next step in treatment. ACL reconstruction may be performed as arthroscopic or open surgery, depending on the individual case. 

Most orthopedic surgeons – including Dr. Stephen Soffer – favor the use of minimally invasive arthroscopic ACL repair whenever possible. Benefits of this method as compared to traditional “open” surgery include: fewer and smaller incisions, less trauma, shorter recovery time and reduced risk of side effects.

Meet with Dr. Soffer to Explore Treatments to Resolve Your ACL Injury 

If you are living with knee pain and instability after a sports injury, count on Dr. Soffer to help put you on the path to a full recovery. As a top-rated expert specializing in the full range of knee injuries and conditions, Dr. Soffer provides both conservative and surgical treatments for ACL damage of any severity. As part of his intensive training in orthopedics, Dr. Soffer is proud to have completed a sports medicine fellowship alongside esteemed sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews.

To learn more about Dr. Soffer’s credentials and schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and treatment options, call our office at 610-375-4949.

MCL or Meniscus Pain: How to Tell the Difference

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mcl or meniscus pain

If you’re experiencing lingering knee pain and discomfort after a fall, a misstep or a sports accident such as a blow to the knee, you may be wondering: Is this MCL or meniscus pain? The symptoms for an MCL (medial collateral ligament) tear/sprain vs. a meniscus injury can overlap quite a bit, and thus it can be hard to tell the difference. However, there are certain indicators you can look for. 

MCL or Meniscus Pain: How to Tell the Difference

To gain insight into whether you are likely experiencing MCL or meniscus pain, it’s helpful to compare the ways in which they happen and their typical symptoms. While MCL injuries are generally a result of a direct blow to the outer side of the knee that pushes the knee inwards, meniscus injuries are usually the product of direct pressure on the knee following a forced twist or rotation.

Furthermore, patients with an MCL injury often notice:

  • Knee swelling and stiffness
  • Mild to severe knee pain (often starts immediately after the injury occurs)
  • Tenderness along the inside of the knee
  • A feeling that the knee may lock, catch or give way when attempting to bear weight 

Meanwhile, common signs that the meniscus has been damaged or torn include:

  • A popping sensation at the time of the injury 
  • Knee swelling and stiffness
  • Pain, particularly when rotating the knee
  • Difficulty straightening the knee all the way
  • A feeling that the knee is locked

Is It Your Meniscus, Your MCL or Something Else?

Ultimately, seeing an orthopedic specialist is the only way to confirm whether you are experiencing MCL or meniscus pain. Through an in-depth physical examination – potentially involving an MRI or another type of imaging – a skilled orthopedic physician will be able to correctly diagnose your knee injury, including its location and grade (severity). Based on their findings, they will then suggest the best course of treatment to resolve your knee issue and symptoms. 

Create an Effective Knee Healing & Rehabilitation Plan with Dr. Soffer 

If you’re living with knee discomfort and dysfunction that isn’t improving with rest, it may be time to visit a trusted orthopedic professional such as Dr. Soffer. Having completed a sports medicine fellowship with world-renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews, Dr. Soffer is an esteemed knee surgeon specializing in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. 

In addition to comprehensive surgical solutions, he also offers the full range of nonsurgical treatments for knee injuries and conditions. To learn more about Dr. Soffer and arrange an appointment, call our Wyomissing, PA office at 610-375-4949.

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